Russia seeks US and Turkish clarification over reported ATACMS transfer to Ukraine

Moscow, Russia. Russia has asked Washington and Ankara for explanations over reports that US weapons and ammunition held in Turkey could be transferred to Ukraine, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Sunday. She said such a move could damage Russia’s relations with both countries.

Reported missile sale

The comments followed the release of US congressional documents indicating that Ukraine is preparing to purchase 70 short-range ATACMS ballistic missiles from Turkey.

The reported transfer would require approval from the United States because the weapons are of US origin. According to the documents, the US State Department has told Congress it is prepared to approve the resale of the weapons to Ukraine.

Russian response

Zakharova said Russia was seeking clarification from both Washington and Ankara over the reported plans.

“Such a move would cause serious damage to our bilateral relations with Washington and Ankara,” she said in a statement.

Military support for Ukraine

ATACMS are US-made ballistic missiles designed for precision strikes against targets at considerable range and have previously been supplied to Ukraine by the United States.

The reported Turkish transfer would come as Ukraine seeks additional weapons and ammunition from international partners amid the war with Russia. The Russian government has repeatedly criticised Western military support for Ukraine and warned that further arms deliveries could deepen tensions with Moscow.